Disney Star Michael Galeota Dies at 31

An autopsy is pending, but Galeota's death is thought to have come from natural causes. Sources tell TMZ that the actor, who has a history of hypertension, high cholesterol and diverticulitis, went to the hospital last week for abdominal pain and checked out last Wednesday against his doctor's advice.

A friend of Galeota's who became concerned after not hearing from him over the weekend went to Galeota's home on Sunday to check up on him, and found his body in his living room, TMZ reports.

Galeota's family confirmed his death on a GoFundMe page that was set up over the weekend in order to pay for his burial. "He was a precious gift - loving, giving, compassionate, joyful and intelligent," his brother Jimmy writes on the page. "A great inspiration for anyone that heard his genuine, humble, witty and joyful voice, or experienced his smile, laughter and love for just a moment. To know him was to love him."

Galeota played Nick Lighter on The Jersey, which aired from 1999 to 2004.